Primary' gunman in violent robberies sentenced to 57 years in prison

An Oakland County man described as the “primary gunman” in a crime gang that struck in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties on Tuesday was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Detroit to serve 57 years in prison.

Alfred Ross Wingate Jr., 42, of Oak Park, received the 684-month sentence from U.S. District Judge Arthur J. Tarnow, which was below the U.S. Attorney’s recommendation of 894 to 946 months behind bars.

Wingate, a multi-convicted felon who was on parole for murder, was found guilty in March of conspiring with seven other people to rob banks and pharmacies during the spring and summer of 2011.

“Violent criminals who use guns can expect to be charged in federal court, where they face long prison sentences,” U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade said in a news release. “Armed robberies risk a loss of life that we cannot tolerate.”

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Both Wingate and the convicted ringleader, Raynard Crowe, recruited others including relatives to scout out banks and pharmacies to rob. Wingate chose his son, Christian Reid, 19, as a getaway driver for some of the incidents, court records show.

Wingate was convicted for his role in the robberies of:

* Citizens Bank in Grosse Pointe Woods on May 18, 2011, where masked gunmen roughed up employees while stealing $45,300 and fled in multiple vehicles.

* Medicap Pharmacy in Warren on June 18, 2011, where they threatened to kill employees while taking $3,200 in cash and $60,000 worth of controlled substances to be sold on the street. While making their escape, one of the gang members was captured by police.

* Ferndale Pharmacy in Ferndale on July 11, 2011, where $1,345 in cash and about $17,500 worth of drugs was taken. During the robbery, the gang tied up employees with zip ties and forced them into a bathroom. One of the gunmen’s weapons discharged, striking a pharmacy technician, who survived. During the incident, another employee was able to dial 911 and police were waiting outside as the gang exited the building. The suspects fled but were later apprehended.

Federal prosecutors said in some of the cases, Wingate used a van belonging to his girlfriend, Nancy Brown. The van was used to transport Brown’s handicapped child but was wrecked during the last robbery and was not insured.

Wingate’s attorney Raye Richards filed a motion for acquittal or new trial, arguing prosecutors failed to prove that Wingate was involved in a conspiracy with the other defendants. The motion was denied.